ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Occupational hazard

Okay kiddo, imagine you are playing with toys and decide to climb on top of a tall shelf. You might fall and get hurt, right? Well, just like that, when a grown-up goes to work, they might have things or situations that can hurt them too. This is called an occupational hazard.

Let's say daddy works in a factory with big machines that make lots of noise. Those machines can be very loud and make it hard for daddy to hear later. The noise can also hurt daddy’s ears and make it hard for him to sleep at night.

Mommy works in a hospital and she has to wear gloves and masks to keep germs away. Even though she is careful, she could still catch an illness from a sick patient. This is also an occupational hazard.

Different jobs can have different occupational hazards. Some jobs are more dangerous than others, like firefighters or police officers who have to deal with emergencies or catch bad guys.

For many jobs, there are rules and special equipment to keep workers safe. This can include helmets, gloves, safety goggles or even just getting enough rest at night.

Overall, occupational hazards are things that can cause harm to grown-ups while they are working. But with some precautions and safety measures, they can be avoided or minimized.